The All Blacks may be out but TV3 will be relieved to see people are still watching the rugby World Cup.
More than 655,000 New Zealanders tuned in to watch England defeat France in the semifinal on Sunday, making it the fifth most watched television programme of the
past year.
It was the second most-watched match of the rugby World Cup series, behind last week's All Blacks quarter-final game.
Total Media chief executive Martin Gillman said the ratings were better than expected, which was good news for TV3.
"We were anticipating that it might be half or 60 per cent down but it was only about 40 per cent down," he said.
"It is not a major issue and will not be difficult to make up."
TV3 chief executive Brent Impey sent a letter to all World Cup advertisers after last weekend's loss, asking them to bear with the broadcaster and assuring them compensation would be allocated where due.
Mr Gillman said clients did not fault TV3 for the All Blacks' loss.
Last week Mr Gillman told the Herald advertisers were likely to receive additional airtime to compensate for the loss in viewer numbers.
"They won't be giving money back but they will be providing additional airtime."
